Patents by Inventor Ron L. Hale

Ron L. Hale has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130032139
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided, wherein the device, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Methods for use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 8288372
    Abstract: Loxapine, amoxapine, or salts or prodrugs of either, is effective in alleviating pain, particularly headache pain such as migraine, cluster headaches and tension headaches. Preferably the loxapine or amoxapine is administered systemically, most preferably by inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Patrik Munzar, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 8235037
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 8074644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming an vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20110253135
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drug delivery device comprising a housing defining an airway, wherein the airway comprises at least one air inlet and a mouthpiece having at least one air outlet, at least one heated metal substrate disposed within the airway, at least one drug disposed on the at least one heated metal substrate. Drugs that can be complexed with metals or metal salts and could be deposited as thin films on heated metal substrate for generating thermal condensation aerosols are particularly suited. The metal substrate could be electrically or chemically heated. Further, the chemically heated metal source could be activated by an igniter that generates heat or spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. HALE, C.V Krishnamohan Sharma, Mingzu Lei
  • Publication number: 20110240014
    Abstract: An assembly and method for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The assembly includes a heat-conductive metal substrate with an oxidation resistant exterior surface and a drug composition film on the exterior surface and is for use in an aerosol device. The thickness of the film and the surface of the substrate is such that the aerosol formed by vaporizing and condensing the drug composition the aerosol contain 10% by weight or less drug-degradation products and at least 50% of the total amount of the drug composition in the film. The methods for treating the exterior surface include heat and chemical treatment and formation of a protective overcoat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryson Bennett, Ron L. Hale, Amy Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Krishnamohan Sharma, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20110244020
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. HALE, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20110240013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming a vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7987846
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a substance. One embodiment includes a substance including a drug to be vaporized for inhalation therapy. A sealed fuel cell containing a combustible filament is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the substance. An igniter is operatively associated with the combustible element. The substance may be vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Soonho Song, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7981401
    Abstract: Described herein are diuretic condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering a condensation aerosol are also described. The diuretic aerosols typically comprise diuretic condensation aerosol particles that comprise a diuretic compound. In some variations the diuretic compound is selected from the group consisting of bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, muzolimine, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, tripamide, BG 9928, and BG 9719. Methods of treating edema using the described aerosols are also provided. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of diuretic condensation aerosol to a person with edema. The diuretic condensation aerosol may be administered in a single inhalation, or may be administered in more than one inhalation. Methods of forming a diuretic condensation aerosol are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Every, Ron L. Hale, Amy T. Lu, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7923662
    Abstract: High sparking initiator compositions with a controlled amount of power are disclosed. The initiator compositions comprise a metal containing oxidizing agent, at least one metal reducing agent, and a non-explosive binder. Low voltage igniters that provide bidirectional plumes upon ignition are also disclosed. These igniters have a electrically resistive element positioned across a hole in a support which directs the plume. These igniters and compositions are useful in the actuation of solid fuel heating unit, in particular, sealed heating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Mingzu Lei, Hilary N. Pettit, Dennis W. Solas, Soonho Song, Curtis Tom
  • Patent number: 7913688
    Abstract: A device for delivering a drug by inhalation is disclosed. The device includes a body defining an interior flow-through chamber having upstream and downstream chamber openings, and a drug supply unit contained within the chamber for producing, upon actuation, a heated drug vapor in a condensation region of the chamber. Gas drawn through the chamber region at a selected gas-flow rate is effective to form drug condensation particles from the drug vapor having a selected MMAD between 0.02 and 0.1 MMAD or between 1 and 3.5 ?m. A gas-flow control valve disposed upstream of the unit functions to limit gas-flow rate through the condensation region to the selected gas-flow rate. An actuation switch in the device activates the drug-supply unit, such that the drug-supply unit can be controlled to produce vapor when the gas-flow rate through the chamber is at the selected flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Cross, Craig C. Hodges, Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Curtis Tom, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20100065052
    Abstract: A heating unit comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A chemical reactant material capable of undergoing an exothermic reaction is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate. An igniter is in proximity with the chemical reactant material. A layer of adhesive material overlays at least a portion of at least one of the chemical reactant material and the first surface of the substrate. Other embodiments of the heating unit include a first and a second substrate, each having first and second surfaces positioned with the first surfaces opposing each other in a sandwich construction. A chemical reactant material is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of at least one of the substrates. The first and the second substrates are sealed together to define a cavity containing the chemical reactant material and an igniter is provided in proximity with the chemical reactant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: C.V. Krishnamohan Sharma, Mingzu Lei, Karen Wang, Hoi Sze Lau, Ron L. Hale, Reynaldo Quintana, Pravin Soni
  • Publication number: 20100055048
    Abstract: Methods of treating headache with antipsychotics are provided. A kit for treating headache is also provided, comprising an antipsychotic and a device for rapid delivery of the antipsychotic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. LIoyd, Amy T. Lu, Patrik Munzar, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Roman Skowronski
  • Publication number: 20100006092
    Abstract: Aerosol drug delivery devices incorporating percussively activated heat packages are disclosed. The heat packages include a percussive igniter and a fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction when ignited by the percussive igniter. The drug delivery devices disclosed can be activated by an actuation mechanism to vaporize a thin solid film comprising a drug disposed on the exterior of a hat package. Metal coordination complexes of volatile drugs, and in particular nicotine, from which the drug can be selectively vaporized when heated are also disclosed. The use of aerosol drug delivery devices comprising thin films of nicotine metal salt complexes for the treatment of nicotine craving and for effecting smoking cessation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Mingzu Lei, Peter M. Lloyd, Patrik Munzar, C.V. Krishnamohan Sharma, Dennis W. Solas, Matthew D. Stracker
  • Patent number: 7645442
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The device includes a chamber having an upstream opening and a downstream opening which allow gas to flow through the chamber, and a heat-conductive substrate located at a position between the upstream and downstream openings. Formed on the substrate is a drug composition film containing a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form. A heat source in the device is operable to supply heat to the substrate to produce a substrate temperature greater than 300° C., and to substantially volatilize the drug composition film from the substrate in a period of 2 seconds or less. The device produces an aerosol containing less than about 10% by weight drug composition degradation products and at least 50% of the drug composition of said film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Dennis W. Solas, Soonho Song, Curtis Tom, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20090301363
    Abstract: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ramesh Damani, Ron L. Hale, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Dennis W. Solas, Soonho Song, Pravin Soni, Curtis Tom, Kirshnamohan Sharma
  • Publication number: 20090258075
    Abstract: Described herein are respiratory drug condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering condensation aerosols are also described. The respiratory drug aerosols typically comprise respiratory drug condensation aerosol particles. In some variations the respiratory drug compound is selected from the group consisting of ?-adrenergics, methylxanthines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, mediator-release inhibitors, anti-leukotriene drugs, asthma inhibitors, asthma antagonists, anti-endothelin drugs, prostacyclin drugs, ion channel or pump inhibitors, enhancers, or modulators and pharmaceutically acceptable analogs, derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Methods of treating a respiratory ailment using the described aerosols are also described. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of respiratory drug condensation aerosol to a person with a respiratory ailment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20090229600
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming an vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7585493
    Abstract: An article for use in an aerosol device, for producing an aerosol of a drug composition is disclosed. The article includes a heat-conductive substrate having a surface with a selected surface area, and a drug composition film on the substrate surface having a selected film thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m. The film thickness is such that an aerosol formed by vaporizing the drug composition by heating the substrate and condensing the vaporized compound contains 10% or less drug-degradation product and at least 50% of the total amount of drug composition contained in the film. The selected substrate surface area is such as to yield an effective human therapeutic dose of the drug aerosol. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Amy Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley